California State University, Northridge

Master of Science in Taxation

Invest in your future.

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At a Glance

Fall 2027 Application: Opens September 8, 2026
Priority Deadline: April 20, 2027
Final Deadline: July 6, 2027
Program mode: Hyflex | Cohort format
Program duration: 1.5 years
Total units: 30 units
Financial Aid available
No GRE Required

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CSUN’s award-winning Master of Science in Taxation program is offered by the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics — one of the nation’s largest business schools. In this highly flexible program, you can attend in-person or virtually as you build the knowledge and expertise needed to advance into senior roles in taxation.

Created for working tax professionals, the program:

Meets California’s 150-hour requirement for CPA licensure
Holds no classes during tax season
Allows you to attend in person or online (and switch from week to week)
Takes only 19 months to complete
Provides academic and administrative support from start to finish

Career Outlook

Develop the human insight and adaptable skills employers value most.

Tax advisement is one of the fastest-growing fields in the United States. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that—as the nation’s population ages and life expectancies increase—the demand for professional tax advisors and consultants will grow.

The BLS also notes that tax advisors and consultants typically need a master’s degree for career advancement.

is the expected occupational growth for accountants and auditors in California between 2024 and 2034

40%

of tax professionals say their firm’s capabilities are constrained or at risk because of talent shortages

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Top-ranked by U.S. News & World Report

This master’s degree, known for its flexibility and experiential learning, is now ranked as one of the best online tax programs in the country—alongside Penn State and other leading universities. Our innovative curriculum is industry-focused, hands-on and convenient.

MTX-Best-Online-Masters-in-Taxation-Programs

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About This Program

Taught by leading tax practitioners, CSUN's advanced M.S. program was created to help professionals in the field progress and excel in their careers. Our flexible curriculum gives you the choice to attend in-person or virtually, so you can continue working as you earn your degree.

Along with technical ability, you’ll hone your communication skills and develop strong business instincts, giving you the confidence to work successfully with clients, individuals and agencies. You’ll also learn how to apply tax principles to a variety of contexts: individuals, corporations, partnerships, estates and trusts.

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A graduate-level degree in taxation offers practitioners the opportunity to advance in an increasingly complex field and command higher levels of compensation. Our 18-month program provides the knowledge and technical skills necessary for promotion to more senior positions in the field and helps to fulfill the California CPA licensure requirement of 150 credit-unit hours.

You'll learn how to:

Research and interpret tax authority
Settle tax controversies
Find tax alternatives in businesses
Manage people and policies
Comply with government directives
Understand collection and criminal prosecution

LEARN MORE

The master’s in taxation program has given me the skills to move from tax preparation to strategic tax planning.

- Leslie Sobol, CPA, MST

M.S. in Taxation alumni

Why You'll Love Us

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No templates, ever

At CSUN, we don't fill courses. We build them, entirely from scratch, each and every time we launch a program. This leads to a unique education, with real and lasting outcomes in your career.

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Expert instruction and design

CSUN's world-class faculty design and teach all courses, helping you gain today's most in-demand skills—and bringing the industry directly to you.

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Group-powered learning

When you enroll, we place you in a small, interactive group of peers from diverse organizations and industries. From day one to graduation, you'll learn and grow together.

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VIP support

As you earn your degree, we'll stay with you every step of the way, offering close, personal support when and where you need it.

Ready To Learn More?

Watch what our faculty say about their approach to teaching and student success.

REQUEST INFORMATION

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